After a successful box office run; along with multiple Academy and Golden Globe awards, "Les Miserables" hits shelves on March 22, 2013. The critically acclaimed film stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway. The Victor Hugo novel based movie, has endeared millions since it was first published in 1862. The film has gone through various film and stage adaptations in America since 1935. It continues to be an inspiration for many.
The story follows prisoner Jean Valjean (Jackman). Valjean is paroled after a nineteen year sentence. His incarceration causes him to have multiple doors shut in his face. He is fortunate enough to have the Bishop of Digne give him a place to stay. Not knowing what his future holds, Valjean steals the Bishop's silverware. When the authorities catch him, the Bishop says the silverware stolen was given to by him. Police Official, Javert (Crowe) (who released Jean from prison) promises he will see Valjean incarcerated again.
Jean promises to be an upstanding citizen. Jean works his way to becoming a factory owner. One of his employees, Fantine (Hathaway)is discovered sending money to her daughter (who was born out of wedlock). Fantine is fired as a result. In order to provide for her daughter(Cosette), Fantine becomes a prostitute. Javert arrest her for attacking a man. Jean stops the arrest and has her hospitalized. As Fantine becomes sicker and sicker Valjean promises to aid her daughter. Valjean must try his best to avoid Javert, while trying to establish a relationship with Cosette.
The dvd has several special features:Bonus Features
Exclusive to the Blu-ray
•Les Misérables Singing Live: The star-studded cast and production team discuss how the daunting challenge of singing live rather than lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks ultimately gave them the creative freedom to deliver nuanced, emotionally powerful performances.
•Battle at the Barricade: Director Tom Hooper wanted the dramatic building of the barricade to be as visceral and intense as possible, so he had his actors build it in real time, literally hurling furniture out of windows to construct an actual barricade. This featurette takes an in-depth look at the creation and filming of all the action on this remarkable set.
•The West End Connection: Meet the “godfather” of the original stage production of Les Misérables, renowned West End producer Cameron Mackintosh, who was deeply involved in the filming, as well as former Les Misérables, theatrical stars who were thrilled to appear in supporting roles in the current film.
•Les Misérables on Location: Filming rather than staging Les Misérables presents the opportunity to shoot in real world locations: a massive dry dock on the coast of England, a beautiful underground chapel in the heart of London and the ancient city of Winchester. Members of the cast and crew talk about what it was like to find and work in these incredible locations.
Bonus Features on Both the Blu-rayand DVD
•The Stars of Les Misérables: Director Tom Hooper talks about casting the iconic characters, and the actors discuss why it was important to them to be a part of this groundbreaking version of
Les Misérables.
•Creating the Perfect Paris: Production designer Eve Stewart created a massive Paris set featuring real cobblestones and running water. Take an intricate look into the detailed recreation of these Paris streets that no longer exist in today’s world.
•The Original Masterwork: Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables: This mini-documentary takes a look at the historical backdrop and universal themes of Hugo’s classic, and how the filmmakers mined the novel to enrich the look and feel of the film.
•Feature Commentary with Director Tom Hooper
The film seems to be one of the most anticipated releases of the year. With it's ongoing accolades it promises to deliver.
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